Chinese military strategists are utilizing "ro-ro ships" to strengthen the capabilities of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), according to a piece published by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Jaehyun Han, and Jennifer Jun for the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The authors highlight the versatile potential of ro-ro ships and their increasing significance in China's military strategy.
Ro-ro ships, short for "roll-on/roll-off" vessels, are typically used as ferries in the automotive industry and are not commonly associated with military applications. However, the authors suggest that China is now utilizing these ships to enhance the PLA's capabilities.
China's automotive industry plays a significant role in this development. The authors note that China is experiencing a surge in demand for affordable cars, particularly electric vehicles, leading to a substantial increase in Chinese exports of passenger vehicles. As Chinese automakers seek additional means of transportation, the demand for ro-ro vessels is escalating. These specialized ships enable easy loading and unloading of cars, making them crucial for efficient transport.
Chinese shipyards are well-positioned to meet the rising demand for ro-ro vessels. In 2022, Chinese shipyards produced 47% of the world's commercial vessels by gross tonnage. The authors highlight that ship order books indicate a significant surge in ro-ro construction in the coming years, with the potential delivery of over 200 ro-ro ships between 2023 and 2026. CSC Jinling Shipyard, specializing in ro-ro production, is set to deliver a substantial number of these vessels.
While civilian ro-ro ships are primarily intended for commercial use, there are indications that the Chinese military plans to utilize them for military purposes. The authors suggest that these ships could help fill the gap in the PLA's ability to transport troops and equipment, especially for regional and global missions. This dual-use application underscores the growing importance of ro-ro ships in China's military strategy and emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of their role in the PLA's future capabilities.
